Principal Configuration Management Engineer

TL;DR

Principal Configuration Management Engineer (Aerospace): Define and maintain requirements framework and configuration baselines from concept through delivery with an accent on change management, traceability, and digital thread integration. Focus on building infrastructure for digital libraries, automating change impact analysis, and leading configuration review boards for technical, schedule, and cost impacts.

Location: Los Angeles, CA. Must be a U.S. Person as defined by ITAR (U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or certain protected individuals). Ability to obtain security clearance if required.

Salary: $175,000 - $220,000 + equity

Company

Building the largest and highest-power satellites for missions from LEO to deep space, backed by $450M from leading investors with multiple launches planned through 2026-2027.

What you will do

• Define and maintain requirements framework, configuration baselines, and procedures for requirement flow-down, change management, and traceability in PLM/ALM tools.
• Establish baseline creation/release criteria, build digital libraries for genealogy and revision history, and ensure complete EIDPs with end-to-end traceability across hardware, software, and tests.
• Develop supplier document control for PPAP/APQP, manage SCARs, integrate external signals for counterfeit/obsolescence risks.
• Own QMS architecture for configuration/requirements, build analytics for effectiveness, implement automation for change impact and release readiness.
• Chair Change Review Boards, analyze changes for impacts, provide dashboards for change volume and financial effects.

Requirements

• BS in Engineering (Mechanical/Electrical/Aerospace/Industrial) or science; MS/PhD a plus.
• 12+ years with cross-team technical direction and company-level impact.
• Hands-on with structured quality systems (AS9100, AS9145/APQP or analogous).
• Strong experience with PLM/ALM (Teamcenter, Windchill, Jama/DOORS), MES/ERP, release/change workflows (ECO/ECN).
• Data skills: SQL, cloud services, BI dashboards (Tableau/Power BI), PowerApp Suite; CM standards (CMII, ISO 10007).
• U.S. Person per ITAR; ability to obtain security clearance if required.

Nice to Have

• Experience linking ATP/verification to baselines, digital thread initiatives.
• Familiarity with cost modeling for engineering changes and obsolescence risk.

Culture & Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits: paid time off, medical/dental/vision, life insurance, paid parental leave, and many perks.
• Fast-paced Series C space startup environment thriving on innovation and non-traditional career paths.
• Equity in the company.